Very close to the border with Slovenia, the seaside town of Umag is called the ‘Croatian gateway to Europe’. This proximity makes it an attractive destination for many tourists who want a seaside holiday with beautiful beaches and good food, but without losing too many hours on a plane or ferry.
Although less crowded than other more famousIstrian towns such as Pula, Rovinj and Poreč, it is a town that, like its ‘big sisters’, thrives on tourism. The offer of flats and holiday homes is extensive and continues to expand, but to stay during the high season it is best to book well in advance.
Umag is so close… why miss it?
The centre of Umag is compact and flat, so it’s easy to get around on foot. As you stroll through the town, stop and admire its most beautiful buildings, including the Cathedral with its late-Renaissance façade, seven carved marble altars and bell tower (you can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the town).
If you are a history buff, you can visit the small Municipal Museum, which exhibits some Roman artefacts.
Just 9 km away from the centre is an attraction that we recommend to everyone, the impressive Savudrija Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. The best time to come here is at sunset, after which you can stay in the area and dine in one of the small fish restaurants by the sea.
Cycling enthusiasts will find numerous marked trails of various levels in the area, suitable for both road and mountain bikes. Those who prefer idleness can pamper themselves in a wellness centre with a massage or beauty treatment.
There are plenty of beaches around Umag, almost all of which are surrounded by dense pine forests that provide some refreshment during the hottest hours. Many are pebble or pebble beaches, but you can also find rocky beaches or cemented terraces with steps to enter the water.
The most popular beach in and around Umag is Sol Polynesia, a mixed sand and pebble beach a few kilometres from the town centre. It is a well-equipped beach with plenty of services and facilities for sports activities and is also accessible to people with disabilities.
If you prefer something quieter, move 3 km and go to Laguna Stella Maris, a pebble beach surrounded by a pine forest.
Other beaches not to be missed in and around Umag are Kanegra, Kanova, Savudrija, Katoro and Ladin Gaj.
Although less well known than other Istrian seaside resorts, Umag offers a wide variety of accommodation. In recent years, the offer has expanded further with the addition of luxury hotels and holiday homes, so today you can find good accommodation in all price ranges, from hostels to 4-star hotels.
We offer a selection of hotels at Umag to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Umag, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Umag. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Umag are in high demand.
As one of the first towns you come across after the border with Slovenia, getting to Umag by car is really easy. Another option is to take a long-distance bus. With a direct bus or a single change you can get to Umag from various towns. Arriving by plane is not a convenient option (the only airport in Istria is Pula), nor by train because you would have to change several means of transport.
During the summer months, ferries operate between Umag and Venice, but they do not run very frequently (2 per week). The duration of the sea crossing is 2½ hours.
What's the weather at Umag? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Umag for the next few days.
Umag, located in the north of Istria, is one of the first Croatian towns one encounters when reaching Istria by car via Slovenia.
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